The Savvy Newcomer aims to serve newcomers to the translation and interpreting professions by publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed content on a weekly basis. We strive to provide you with the answers to the many questions you face as a new or aspiring translator or interpreter.
Starting your career as a freelance translator or interpreter is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Beyond your linguistic skills, you鈥檙e stepping into the world of independent contracting: contracts, marketing, professional development, taxes, technology, and more. It鈥檚 not always intuitive at first, but the good news is that you can build a successful business with a strong foundation. Here鈥檚 a guide from A to Z covering the essentials every new freelance translator and interpreter should know: A 鈥 Agreements Never begin work without a signed agreement. Contracts clarify deadlines, rates, payment terms, confidentiality, and expectations, and they protect both…
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This post was originally published on Medium. It is reposted with permission. Test it before you reject it. That鈥檚 my approach when it comes to new technology. And that鈥檚 what I did when the ChatGPT frenzy began. Two months ago I embarked on a new testing journey and, to my surprise, I quickly joined the ChatGPT鈥檚 fan club. Now I…
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There is much to be learned from our colleagues, but it can be intimidating to strike up a conversation with the 鈥減ros.鈥 For that reason, we at Savvy have done the work for you and are excited to announce the revival of our interview series, 鈥淟inguist in the Spotlight,鈥 where we pick the brains of experienced translators and interpreters and…
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This post was originally published on Bell Johnson Translations. It is reposted with permission. As work has started picking up for me over the past few months, I鈥檝e found it increasingly harder to try and find time to undertake continuing professional development (CPD) activities. That鈥檚 why I decided I was going to make my first ever CPD plan, but there…
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This post was originally published on Business Translated. It is reposted with permission. Go to a few trade shows and you鈥檒l realise that attending these kinds of events is still unusual behaviour for a translator. I travelled up to London recently for an exhibition and听most people I spoke with had never met a translator before and were curious about my…
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This post was originally published on The Freelancery. It is reposted with permission.听 Yes. Specialists always do better. There is no debating this. I can鈥檛 think of听any听freelancer听who made it big as a handyman. The world already has plenty of all-purpose copywriters, versatile translators, general web designers and utility infielders. Don鈥檛 jump into that haystack. You will be lost forever. It…
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This post was originally published on Successful Freelance Translator. It is reposted with permission. Hey, guys! Many of us have personal websites (if no, check one of听my posts to learn why you should) and you may wonder how to attract new visitors and convert them into clients. In this posts, I will show you how to use video to attract…
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The following is a translation of the post 鈥淭raduction: Que faire de toutes ces langues que vous parlez?鈥 (you can read the original via the hyperlink) by Matilda Gascon Delqueux from the blog Master TSM Lille, translated by our very own Kevin L. Hull. Without further ado, here is the translation. Many of us know languages besides those we studied…
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This post was originally published on Bruce Johnston’s blog. It is reposted with permission. I thought today I would go over an example of the research I would do before talking to a prospect. Here are the steps I take: I will check their company page to see how it matches up with their website and to review all their…
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Buddies Welcome Newbies: Starting #ATA63 Off on the Right Foot We鈥檙e so excited to welcome you to ATA63 in sunny Los Angeles! This year will be ATA鈥檚 first fully in-person conference since Palm Springs, and we can wait to see everyone. If you鈥檝e already attended other in-person conferences this year or if this is your first one, navigating this new…
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If you are a language major considering your next steps, you鈥檝e come to the right place! The translation and interpreting field is growing rapidly, and ATA is the largest association of its kind in the world. Whether you鈥檙e looking to become a successful solopreneur, interpret for the president of the United States, or work at a medical clinic in your…
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